wo enemies were near the camp; they were armed with guns. There were
seven of the enemy and but two of us. We went right up to the camp. I
shot one of the enemy and wounded him, and captured one of their horses.
Then a great number of Indians came out and chased us. They surrounded
us, shooting all the while, and the horse I had taken from the enemy I
shot rather than let them have it. And while they were chasing me my
horse became exhausted and I had to get off and lead him. I ran into the
creek where my enemies were on the banks shooting at me. These two things
I consider the greatest events in my life, for I expected to die each
time. Then I was made head chief of my tribe."

Before the police system was established on the reservation, Bear Ghost,
along with one other Indian, was detailed by Captain Daugherty to watch
for and capture a man who had committed murder. Bear Ghost succeeded in
carrying out this commission, and the sheriff was sent for and the
prisoner turned over to him, but on the way to Bismarck the prisoner
killed the sheriff, jumped onto the best horse, and made his escape. Bear
Ghost has often been chosen by his people to represent them at councils
held among other tribes. He was also sent to Washington, on matters
pertaining to treaties made years ago. He wears the countenance of a
Roman senator; he is tall, graceful, and full of dignity, a forceful and
convincing speaker, and a compelling advocate of peace.

[Chief Running Fisher]

Chief Running Fisher

Chief Running Fisher (2)

The story of this war-scarred Gros Ventres veteran emphasizes with double
pathos the many times expressed sentiment of this book that the Indian is
a vanishing race, for he died within two weeks after returning home from
the last Great Indian Council. His words, therefore, are deeply
significant: "I feel sad at the thought of not meeting these chiefs again,
for I would like to meet them all once more, but I feel pretty sure we
will never meet again."

Chief Running Fisher had measured threescore years of life, and for forty
years of that time he had averaged a battle for every other year. Battles
in Canada, battles in the mountains, and battles on the plains. He had
fought the Sioux, the Blackfeet, the Nez Perce, the Crows, the Shoshones,
and the Piegans. He said: "I have twenty shots in my body received in
battle. I have had my arm broken